Kennet Side pavement to close for 13 weeks for canal wall repairs

A 75-metre stretch of pavement in Kennet Side will close while the canal retaining wall is replaced (Image: Google Maps)

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Work to replace a retaining wall on an important canal-side pedestrian and cycle route into the town centre starts next week.

A 75-metre stretch of the retaining wall at Kennet Side will be replaced in a project starting on Monday, September 21, expected to last 13 weeks.

Starting at its junction with Sidmouth Street in Reading town centre and running eastwards, the project will include the excavation of part of the existing footpath and the construction of a concrete anchor wall directly behind the existing canal retaining wall. The existing canal wall and pedestrian parapet guardrails will be retained, with the footpath reconstructed and resurfaced at the end of the project.

Closed

To keep the works to a minimum and to keep the public area safe, the stretch of footpath/cycleway next to the works area will be closed while the repairs take place.

Access over the nearby Gunter’s Brook Footbridge will be kept open throughout the works.

Pedestrians will be able to use the nearby pavement on the south side of the road in Kennet Side, which runs parallel with the Kennet. Cyclists will be able to use the existing adjacent carriageway going west, but will have to dismount going east or find an alternative route.

Advance notice boards have gone up in the area and letters will be sent out by Reading Borough Council this week to people living nearby telling them of the works.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for strategic environment, planning and transport, said: “The Kennetside retaining wall is more than 120-years-old which means this essential work is necessary in stretches in order to maintain a key pedestrian and national cycleway into the heart of Reading. Any inconvenience or disruption the repairs may cause are being kept to a minimum.”

Anyone who would like more information can call Sarah Warren on 0118 937 2943 or email bridges@reading.gov.uk.